The Variables tab

Introduction

The Variables tab lists all variables used in the method with their default values, organized by method block. You can change the default values to create a variant of the method.

Note: The variables of a block are only displayed once on the Variables tab, even if the block is called several times in a method. Variables are displayed only if the method contains variables.

Check boxes

There are three check boxes on the Variables tab. The table below describes these boxes:

Check box

Select this box if you want...

Show details

detail variables to be shown. Detail variables are indicated by a D in the column immediately to the left of the Variable column.

Show unused variables

unused variables to be shown. Unused variables are indicated by a U in the column immediately to the left of the Variable column.

Display tooltip for extended variable cells

to display useful tips when you move the cursor to fields that can have several functions.

Note: The options to show detail and unused variables can be set up as default options in the Administration:Change User Attributes settings in the UNICORN Manager.

How to change the default values

Enter new values in the appropriate fields to change the default variable values. For some variables, pre-set values are available on drop-down menus. Save the method when you have made your changes.

Note: The Variables box must be selected on the Start Protocol tab if you want to be able to change variable values at the start of a method.

Blue values

For variables with values shown in blue, the value input can be toggled between OFF, INFINITE or other single position values, and a variable range. To change the value, right-click the value cell.

Variables can also be changed in the Text Instructions Editor

Variables can be changed in the Text Instructions Editor as well as on the Variables tab of the Method Editor. Changed values will be displayed for the corresponding instructions in both windows.

How to delete or rename variables

The table below describes how to delete or rename a variable in the Run Setup.

Step

Action

1

  • Click the Edit Variable... button on the Run Setup Variables tab.

or

  • Choose the Edit:Variable...Method Editor menu option.

Result: The Edit Variables dialog box opens. The variables are listed alphabetically.

2

Select the variable to edit.

3

Rename

  • Type a new variable name in the New name text box.

  • Click the Rename button.

Result: The variable is renamed.

Delete

  • Click the Delete button.

  • Confirm that you want to delete the variable.

Result: The variable is deleted.

How to change a variable into a detail variable

Detail variables are only shown if the Show details checkbox is selected on the Variables tab. The table below describes how to set up a detail variable.

Step

Action

1

  • Click the Edit Variable... button on the Run Setup Variables tab.

or

  • Choose the Edit:Variable...Method Editor menu option.

Result: The Edit Variables dialog box opens. The variables are listed alphabetically.

2

Select the variable to be changed.

3

  • Select the Set visible in details only checkbox.

  • Click the Close button.

Result: The variable is marked by the detail indicator D.

How to change a detail variable into a regular variable

The table below describes how to change a detail variable into a regular variable.

Step

Action

1

  • Click the Edit Variable... button on the Run Setup Variables tab.

or

  • Choose the Edit:Variable...Method Editor menu option.

Result: The Edit Variables dialog box opens. The variables are listed alphabetically.

2

Select the variable to be changed.

3

  • De-select the Set visible in details only checkbox.

  • Click the Close button.

Result: The detail variable indicator D is removed.

2005-06-15